New Cunard ship Queen Anne embarked on its maiden voyage from Southampton on Friday night.

The 3,000-passenger ship left its home port of Southampton against a backdrop of a firework display. 

Thousands of spectators gathered to watch the 9pm departure from vantage points across the city and along Southampton Water.

The seven-night sailing will see the 113,000-ton vessel call into Lisbon today (Tuesday) as well as  La Coruna in Spain.

On board celebrations include a special maiden gala evening and performances from tenor Russell Watson.

The ship will then depart on a 14-night cruise to the Canary Islands ahead of a naming ceremony in Liverpool on June 3 as part of a round-Britain itinerary.

Cunard president Katie McAlister said: “Queen Anne’s maiden voyage signals the dawning of a new era in luxury ocean travel and her historic sailaway from Southampton was a very special moment for everyone connected with Cunard.

“Here in the UK and across the globe, Cunard is famous for our beautiful iconic Queens.  

“With Queen Anne joining our fleet, she marks not just a new icon but the completion of a perfect quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria.”